Fifty tonnes of carbon saved through EV sharing

People driving Yoogo Share electric cars in Christchurch have saved 50 tonnes of carbon since February.

And the saving could reach 100 tonnes by Christmas.

The electric car share initiative was led by the Christchurch City Council to reduce emissions and accelerate Christchurch’s transition towards a smart city.

In recognition of these carbon savings and the people who have made it happen, Yoogo Share is planting 1000 native trees in Evans Pass.

Working with the Department of Conservation and Meridian Energy, Yoogo Share has invited its business and private members to help mark the milestone on September 23 during Conservation Week.

Cantabrians have been very welcoming of the electric car share, with more than 3000 members joining, Yoogo Share general manager Kirsten Corson says.

Road vehicles account for 17% of all CO2 emissions in NZ, so EVs have the potential to greatly reduce New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions, she says.

Almost 10,000 EVs are now registered in New Zealand.

Corson says the high upfront cost of EVs, including the cost to buy and install chargers, is a barrier for many Kiwis. Which is why Yoogo Share’s pay-when-you-use model has been so attractive.

Aurecon regional director Carl Devereux enjoys the simplicity of the Yoogo Share cars for the global engineering and infrastructure advisory firm. “A transition to a fully electric fleet was an obvious choice for our business. Yoogo Share presented the opportunity to transition to a modern fleet of vehicles with improved safety standards…. This is an important next step for our health and safety journey… and our staff are excited to be part of this new and sustainable transport initiative.”

The shared fleet is available 24-hours.

Nicole Oliver, a private member of Yoogo Share since February, loves the clean, green aspect of the car sharing service: “I walk to work so just book via the app, jump in, sync my music and the car instantly feels like it’s my own. Whether it’s for a work meeting or heading out on the weekend shopping, it’s easy.”

University of Auckland professor Shaun Hendy is on a self-imposed year without flying to highlight climate change. Hendy chose to drive pure electric during a return trip from Christchurch to Queenstown because of the reduced emissions. Charging the car cost him just $37 one-way.

Car sharing is quickly becoming a global trend, with innovative cities like Christchurch encouraging the use of shared cars as an extension of their transportation network. People use car sharing alongside public transport, ride-hailing, walking and cycling for their daily mobility needs.